Sara
If you’ve worked hard to build a mailing list, you need email subject lines your readers can’t resist opening. But it can be hard to think up subject lines on the spot, so we’ve compiled a list of compelling subject lines you can use to step up your emailing game. These are pretty basic templates that you can adjust to fit your brand. You can also add emojis (sparingly) to add a bit of personality to the subject line.
Whatever category you choose, be sure to offer your readers something for their benefit. While it’s tempting to focus on how the emails can benefit your organization, prioritizing the reader will lead to the best results. So think: What do your readers prize most? Is it free shipping, free gifts, deep discounts, insider knowledge, a good laugh, fun facts?
Main categories of email subject lines
There are several approaches you can take to capture the attention of those on your email list. The best ones to use will depend on your industry and the demographics of your audience. Fashion trends and seasonal items lend themselves to the “don’t wait” angle, but that doesn’t mean other ones won’t work just as well.
1. Don’t wait!
These subject lines rely on the FOMO in all of us. Humans love to be included, and you can exploit that to improve your open rates. Add a sense of urgency to your email subjects to make sure it doesn’t languish in customer inboxes for days or even weeks. Limited-time deals, coupon codes that expire, holiday sales, and limited availability make great selling points. You can also lean into seasonal availability.
- These [X] won’t last long!
- [X] are going fast, so don’t wait!
- Limited-time offer inside
- Tonight only – [X]% off
- These deals won’t last forever!
- Don’t let these deals get away!
- Grab these shocking deals before they’re gone!
- Use this coupon code before it expires
- One-day only sale, just for you!
- [X] season is almost over, so don’t wait!
- Don’t miss out – grab your [X] today!
- Stock is running low – get yours before they’re gone!
- It’s [X] season – don’t be late to the party!
- Are you the only one without [X]? We can fix that!
- Don’t wait until [X] is gone – get one today!
2. News Updates
If you’re writing more of a newsletter to an audience who likes to keep up-to-date, lead with something sure to grab attention. Lean into your expertise and provide value that only you can deliver.
- Guess what [product category] just dropped?
- Everything you need to know about [X]
- What’s the scoop on [X]?
- Here’s the latest on [X]
- Want the best [X]? Keep reading!
- Everyone needs one of these, so get the best.
- Little-known tips for finding the best [X]
- The best-kept secret in [X industry]
- We researched [X] – so you don’t have to
- Top 10 [X] you need to know about
- Latest news on [X] you may not have heard about
- Only available for those in-the-know
- Industry secrets to getting the best [X]
- We found the most effective way to [X]
- This is hard to get, but we know how!
3. Pique Curiosity
Humans are naturally curious, so you can use that to prompt people to open your emails. Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back. Despite the risks (real or imagined), curiosity is a powerful force that you can easily use to your advantage. Offer a valuable reward in the form of information or ask a question that can only be answered by opening the email.
- What’s up with [X]? Find out here!
- Want the best [X]? We’ve got you covered
- The latest [X] just dropped, and we’ve got the scoop
- Have you heard about the latest trends in [X]?
- This is what’s happening in [X]
- Everything you need to know about [X]
- Free gift inside…claim it now!
- Here’s the hottest [X] of the season
- Newest [X] releases to fit any budget
- Want the best budget-friendly [X]?
- Latest [season] trends for savvy shoppers
- What savings are we offering? Find out…
- Fantastic deals inside
- Latest [category] product drop
- Top [industry] experts recommend this
4. Appeals to Vanity
Humans are known for being vain, so you can use that to your advantage and encourage subscribers to open your emails. Especially if your company is part of the fashion industry, you can use vanity to capture interest and get your emails opened instead of trashed.
- Guess who else wore this [item]?
- Top celebrities use this [item], and you can too.
- Want to look as glam as [X]? Use this!
- [X] are in, and we know where to get them!
- Latest trends for [X] aficionados like you
- Smart shoppers are raving over this
- You love the best, so here it is
- [category items] to die for
- Top trending [items] for [activity] enjoyers
- Professional [area of expertise] love these
- Look your best this [season] by trying these top tips
- Best deals for [X]? Yes, please!
- Top the charts with these showstoppers
- Anyone looks great with fresh finds from your favorite [X]
- The secret to great [X] is [product/service]
Using Humor
When someone is having a bad day, nothing cheers them up like a little humor. In the marketing realm, comedy in advertising is becoming more mainstream. Brands like SquattyPotty, Poo-Pourri, and Dr. Squatch have tackled difficult topics like digestion, body odor, and hygiene in hilarious story-style commercials that captured attention. Your subject line can tap into the universal human love of laughter to:
- Do you remember giving us your email?
- You wanted a bunch of emails when you signed up, right?
- This is just another marketing email
- I’m outside your window right now… JK
- Look, I want your money. But I’ll give you great stuff for it!
- Let’s get down to brass tacks… if anyone even has those anymore
- This is a shameless plug, but at least I’m honest about it
- No one needs more [X], but it sure is nice to have it
- The weekly email you just can’t wait to open
- Please don’t mark this as spam
- Our emails are so fun. Open and we’ll prove it!
- You don’t talk much anymore. Are we still friends?
- Don’t reply to this email…I MEAN IT
- Memes inside
Yeah, I’m Greedy…
We don’t like to think so, but humans are a little greedy deep down. You can work with that by offering good discounts, free items, great deals, or complimentary gift-wrapping. However, pushing the greed button on your followers should be handled with care. If the offer sounds too good to be true, people may ignore it because they’ll think there’s a catch. So make the offer tantalizing enough to be irresistible without making your readers roll their eyes and hit delete.
- Need more [X]? Get the best deals here!
- Pamper yourself with these amazing deals!
- BOGO Free! Limited time only
- 30% off these [X]. They won’t last long!
- Free gift wrap when you order $49 or more
- Free shipping on ALL orders!
- You’re not gonna believe these deals!
- You deserve a little luxury…
- You can’t afford to miss this!
- Get the latest [X] to hit the market
- We’ve got the latest [X] and the best prices
- Best selection, best prices inside
- Buy one for a friend, get one for yourself
- You deserve a little love on your birthday
- Get yourself something special this [holiday]
Everyone is Lazy
No one really loves doing extra work, and if we’re being completely honest, most of us are kinda lazy. Even if we appreciate hard work, there’s probably something else we’d prefer to be doing instead. You can tap into your customers’ desire to sit back and relax by emphasizing the time and effort your information or product will save them.
- Stock up on [X] and save yourself the trip
- This [X] makes [Y] so much easier
- Latest hacks in [industry] to make [task] easier
- Stop [X] by hand and do [Y] instead
- We rounded up the best selection of [X] for you to choose from
- No muss, no fuss: try auto-delivery!
- Last-minute [meal prep] ideas for busy [target demographic]
- The easy fix for [X] you need to know about
But it hurts…
Pain points are a common discussion in marketing, and for good reason. It helps to put yourself in the customer’s shoes to understand what motivates them to make a purchase. By understanding their problems and motivations, you can find the best way to offer the solutions they need.
- Need more [X]? Get [Y] now!
- We’ve got everything you need to [decorate, prepare] for [holiday]!
- Beat the winter blues by treating yourself with [X]
- Costs are rising, but our sale might help
- Can’t find the [X] you need? We’ve got you covered
- Fill the pantry without breaking your budget
- We can do [X] so you don’t have to
- Before wasting another minute on [X], call us instead
- The fastest way to [do X] isn’t what you might expect
Don’t Go!
If a shopper has abandoned a cart, signed up for something they didn’t access, or logged in without taking action, you can send them a “nudge” email to recapture their interest. You can also send these types of emails to those who haven’t shopped at your store for several months. These emails can be quirky, funny, no-nonsense, or friendly – whatever happens to best fit your brand identity.
- Was it something we said?
- We’ll bribe you to come back with [20]% off
- We’re sorry you left…
- Let’s hang out again!
- Did you forget something in your cart?
- We saw you lurking…wanna say hi?
- We miss you! Come on back and get [20]% off
- Come back to the Dark Side…We have cookies!
- Who wants a free gift?
The Personal Touch
People appreciate being addressed as an individual. Using the subscriber’s name in a subject line can evoke the feeling of having a conversation. Even if you don’t use the name, the personal touch must address the reader directly in a conversational tone.
Boring Subject Lines Still Work
Surprisingly, bland, direct subject lines still work. People find them familiar and often appreciate the no-nonsense approach. You can even try adding a bit of humor or disarming levels of honesty. It’s probably a good idea to shake up your subject lines now and then, and the direct approach is a great way to do it.
Subject lines are easy, but the internal content can be tough. The next time you get stuck without creative content ideas, think of Content Cucumber! We write more than blog posts and web copy – we can provide great email body text that grips your readers and keeps them from hitting delete. Book your demo today!
